Ryder Earns 2025 Rita Takach “Reading Teacher of the Year” Award

It is a privilege for the Marshall County Literacy Council to honor its Rita Takach “Reading Teacher of the Year” for 2025. Nominations for the award included Rebecca Ryder, Natalie Horner and Dawn Stevey. 

Rebecca Ryder was announced as the winner at the Marshall County Literacy Council’s Spring Banquet on Thursday, May 8, 2025.   

On her application, Ryder stated she teaches explicitly and systematically using a structured, research-based instruction for reading and writing. She is in charge of Battle of the Books at Glen Dale Elementary School and was the chairperson for her school’s and Marshall County’s Literacy Fair. Ryder actively participates in ADK (Alpha Delta Kappa) and the West Virginia Reading Association Conference. She established a Little Free Library at Glen Dale Elementary. 

Glen Dale Elementary second-grade teacher Tami Scollick said, “She has pursued numerous professional development opportunities, including dyslexia training and county-wide literacy initiatives, to ensure she is providing the most effective strategies for student success. Her commitment to continuous learning and growth reflects her deep dedication to the field of literacy education.” 

“Rebecca is a dynamic leader in literacy education, continuously striving to create engaging, meaningful experiences that inspire a love of reading in students,” explained Glen Dale Elementary Principal Kim Cain.

Ryder will complete an application for West Virginia Reading Association’s Eddie C. Kennedy Award. The state winner will be named in November.